Many Pacific nations want Fiji to rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum but are too scared to say so, the Kiribati President Anote Tong says.
In a powerful talk to journalists, the head of the tiny island nation has revealed that he and several other heads of small states are unhappy with Fiji's continued suspension from the group.
Fiji was removed in 2009 after its military-led government refused to expedite elections to return the country to democracy.The country has been subjected to sanctions by New Zealand and Australia since.
It's been reported nine nations met last week and decided to call for Fiji's reinstatement, but New Zealand Prime Minister John Key indicated on Tuesday that all countries appeared happy with the sanctions and exclusion.
Mr Tong said that was not the case.
"Just now I spoke to my federal leaders and I said if we have six children and one is a bad young boy what do you do with him?" he said.
"Do you kick him out? You don't. You never do because we're a family and we must act like a family.
"Fiji is part of this family and our task is to continue to bring Fiji back."
Asked if he will fight to lift suspension, Mr Tong said: "Yes, I think I will quite frankly because it's not Fiji. The people of Fiji don't deserve to be sanctioned."
He also indicated support from several other states, adding "they wouldn't say it".
The admission is a bold move from a Pacific state, many of which have supported Fiji but not raised the issue in the presence of Australia and New Zealand.
The situation is likely to cause a diplomatic headache for Mr Key and his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard, who have both insisted that the current approach was well-supported and unlikely to change.
NZN